LA board puts the brakes on red-light cameras

The Police Commission unanimously rejected a proposal from department officials to award a new contract to American Traffic Solutions Inc., the Scottsdale, Ariz., company that operates 32 cameras throughout Los Angeles.

An audit last year questioned the effectiveness of the program and found that most citations went uncollected.

Police officials had recommended signing a new three- or five-year contract and argued that the cameras significantly cut the number of traffic accidents and fatalities at the intersections.

Members of the oversight commission questioned whether the tickets, which can run more than $400, are cost effective and deter accidents at intersections caused by drivers running red lights, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"We have to ask, what is the benefit to the public? What is the downside?" said Commissioner Debra Wong Yang. "And I'm not convinced from looking at the numbers that these cameras work."

Since the courts don't pursue drivers who refuse to pay the tickets, the camera program is a "voluntary citation program. There's no teeth in it, no enforcement," said Commissioner Alan Skobin.

Members of the public urged the commission to do away with the red light cameras and vented their frustration.

"It's something that angers the crap out of me every time I get in my car," said Hollywood resident Christina Heller, 27. "These cameras remove our fundamental right in this country to confront our accuser. And they do not do anything to improve safety."

American Traffic Solutions executives said shutting down the cameras will result in increased accidents and injuries.

The oversight board's decision could shut down the cameras within days unless the City Council decides to strip the commission of its authority on the issue and decide to continue the program.